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Today we celebrate the life of an icon. A man who taught thousands of people many things over the years. From 35 years of teaching, Church Organist and Choir Master, Planning & Zoning Chair, Business owner to husband, friend and confidant.
James (Jim) L. Preece born Nov, 4 1951 in Welch, West Virginia to James Albert and Virginia Lee Preece. Relocated to Cocoa FL, begun his career in Savannah and finished his journey in Senoia Georgia. He is survived by his husband and partner Anthony (Tony) Hinshaw of 25 years. Sister Karen (Walt) Petters and nieces and nephew.
Jim Preece started his journey when he was a young boy stepping up to the plate and playing the organ and piano without hesitation. Now 70 years later still wowing everyone with his priceless talents.
He played for many different denominations such as 1st Baptist of Savannah, Epworth United Methodist, Skidaway Island Methodist, Temple Mikveh Israel of Savannah and finishing his solo at United Methodist Church of Senoia.
Jim taught thousands of students over the years, from Moses Jackson Elementary, DeRenne Middle School, Flatrock Middle School. He was awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year by his colleagues 2 years running.
He spent many years educating and guiding the residents of Senoia to the beautiful city it is today by serving and volunteering on many committees and boards.
We took over Table Talk of Senoia Jan, 26 2011. He set out for hot dogs and came home with a retail/home decor store now 13 years later. What an incredible adventure.
Sandy Morrison says
I’m so very sorry. I met Jim over the course of my many visits to Senoia starting in 2014. Table Talk is a forever favorite. Thoughts and prayers for Tony, and all of his family and friends.
Susan Osborne says
I am just now seeing this. Jim and Tony were a God send to me during the First Idea House run. Tony, I am sending you big hugs. SUSAN OSBORNE
Carol Holman says
Oh Tony my heart is breaking for you! Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort.
Gaele Anderson says
My deepest sympathies on the passing of this lovely and talented man. Always enjoyed visiting his beautiful store and taking in his eclectic taste.
Melinda says
So very sorry to hear of of this loss. I love speaking with him on my visits to Table Talk.
Cathi Kerns says
Anthony I am so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking for you. I will keep you in my prayers . 💕Cathi Kerns (Kmart card lady)
Bonnie and Ron Fargason says
Sending our sincere condolences on the loss of this beautiful man. Jim spent many holidays at our table in Savannah, where one Easter dinner, an entire bowl of peas was overturned in his lap. He laughed as only he could in such a situation. His students at DeRenne Middle School adored him, our own children especially. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Debra Jones says
What a blessing Jim was to so many, and to me. I loved visiting his store, Table Talk, and many hours sitting outside his store enjoying beautiful Senoia with him. He had the most beautiful Christmas decorations and knew how to make his store stand out among the best. I will miss my buddy. I am praying for you Tony, and all of Jim’s family, friends and co-workers. I know Heaven is listening to your beautiful music. 🙏
Ursula Schoening says
Senoia lost an incredible man. However the heavens gained an Angel. Jim will forever look after all of us, Tony, and Table Talk.
Cindy and Scott says
Just seeing this Tony, so Very Sorry! Jim was a Gem, always had a story of your store, including how it came about, (out for Hotdogs) Big hugs to you from us, Cindy and Scott, Regular Customers 💝
Harold Singletary says
I met Jim in Savannah years ago when he was playing the piano at the Pink House Tavern. After about 35 years of not seeing one another we reconnected on FB about two years ago. I had planned to stop in at his shop this summer and visit. Sorry I did not get the opportunity to see him again. My condolences and prayers.
Dewey Hooper says
When Jim was our church organist he told a story one day. We had an intercom by one of the front doors. There were some kids messing around by the doorbell. Jim knew it. He got on the intercom and said “This is God leave my doorbell alone.” Needless to say those kids found God that day as they ran off.
Danielle Green says
My classmates and I had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Preece. He inspired a deep love of reading when he had the class read “I Know Where the Red Fern Grows” aloud over several weeks. Everyone cried at the end. I passed that wonderful book to my own daughters. Mr. Preece brought magic and joy to the classroom every single day. He is a person who truly made the world a better place and inspired more than just the generation he taught. My condolences to all and especially his husband and family.
Holland Morgan says
Jim was my organist for 5 years at Epworth UMC in Savannah. Jim had a marvelous gift for improvisation which helped to bring alive the great hymns of the church. My birthday fell on a Sunday morning. As I was walking down the aisle of the church, having pronounced the benediction, I heard the distinctive melody of “Happy Birthday” being skillfully played in the pedals to an otherwise classical postlude! Jim was indeed one of a kind. I am saddened at the news of his premature death. —Holland Morgan
Sandy DeMuth says
So sorry to learn this. I worked wit Jim at Flat Rock MS a long time ago. He was a great teacher plus a good mentor for my nephew. May his memories be a blessing.
Anne Donnelly says
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He was a one- of-a-kind educator. I worked with Jim at DeRenne Middle School in Savannah. It was a treat to walk into his classroom. The walls of his room were filled with creative learning devices to pique the students’ interest. All students were on task. Jim was an amazing teacher! One Christmas I visited his church to hear him playing the organ. Beautiful! He was a man of many, many talents, and he was my friend. He will be missed.
Dara Williams says
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! Though I hadn’t seen him since we worked together at Flat Rock MS years ago, we recently reconnected on FB.
Christina Lesseski says
Jim taught me too–but not as a music teacher, but as a merchant. He answered every question I have asked with honesty. I don’t think he really liked me at first, but I like to think I grew on him. He made me successful. He was my friend. And I am forever grateful for his direction and eye rolls and sighs at my mistakes. I am a better business owner for knowing him. I am a better person for having his friendship.
Mitch Morgan says
Jim and I grew up in the same area, and went to school together over the years, and both graduated from Cocoa High School in 1969. We had some fun times together, and he was always a great friend. He played the organ at my sister’s wedding in 1965, and was a very talented musician. We fell out of touch over the years, but recently regained contact and shared about our lives. I am very thankful we were able to reconnect. Rest in peace Jim. Your friends will not forget you. God bless.
Patricia Hillstrom says
I met Jim in High School in Cocoa, Florida (Class of ‘69). I was in the chorus and Jim brilliantly played piano and made us sound much better than we actually were. He was loved by everyone who knew him, and will truly be missed. May God comfort his dear husband and all his family and multitude of friends. Imagine the majestic, beautiful sound he’ll get from God’s pipe organ. He’ll even make the Heavenly choir sound better!